Pope Leo XIV on Sunday described peace in Ukraine as “an urgent necessity,” as the country prepares to mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Speaking during his regular Angelus address at St Peter’s Square, the American-born pontiff called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue to end the conflict.
“Peace cannot be postponed. It is an urgent necessity that must find space in hearts and be translated into responsible decisions,” he told the crowd gathered at the Vatican.
“I strongly renew my appeal: may the weapons fall silent, may the bombings cease, may a ceasefire be reached without delay, and may dialogue be strengthened to open the way to peace,” he added.
Ukraine will on February 24 mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, which began in 2022 and has devastated cities, displaced millions of people, and claimed thousands of lives on both sides.
Russia currently controls nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory and has continued its offensive, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, despite sustaining heavy losses and facing repeated Ukrainian strikes on supply lines and logistics.
The United States has, in recent weeks, intensified efforts to broker peace, holding multiple rounds of talks aimed at bringing the warring sides to the negotiating table, though no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
The pope’s renewed appeal adds to growing international calls for a negotiated settlement to end one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts in decades.
